AT&T to Launch Own 1Gbps Network in Austin, Compete with Google Fiber

Google just announced that it’s going to activate its 1Gbps Google Fiber network services in Austin sometime in the middle of next year. Literally moments later AT&T announced its own intentions for a 1Gbps network in the same city.

“Most encouraging is the recognition by government officials that policies which eliminate unnecessary regulation, lower costs and speed infrastructure deployment, can be a meaningful catalyst to additional investment in advanced networks which drives employment and economic growth,” said Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and CEO.

AT&T said the move is part of its “Project VIP” broadband initiative and that it’s currently “prepared” to build the network and it hopes it gets the same access to required licenses that Google has access to. The company did not, however, say when it plans to activate the network or how much it will cost.